Coping strategies and integrative meaning as moderators of chronic illness

This study contrasted the moderating effects of deriving integrative meanin g (a primary appraisal process) with the use of specific, cognitive-behavio ral strategies (a secondary appraisal process) in confronting stressors inv olving harm or loss. Eighty young adults and eighty older participants with varying levels of chronic illness were assessed. Open-ended responses to r ecalled experiences with illness and death were coded for integrative meani ng and use of specific cognitive-behavioral strategies. In young adults wit h higher levels of chronic illness, a greater tendency to use specific cogn itive-behavioral strategies was related to higher morale. In older particip ants, a greater tendency to derive integrative meaning was related to incre ased morale, regardless of illness levels.